The NBA requires its teams to take measures against the spread of the virus. LeBron James threatens to boycott, the Warriors comment on Curry’s illness.
While more and more sporting events in Europe and Asia are being cancelled or are taking place in front of empty stands, the USA has so far been largely spared.
But this could change very soon. In the NBA, fears have been circulating since this weekend that even in the best and most spectacular basketball league in the world, games could be affected by the virus.
As ESPN reports, the league has set a deadline of next Tuesday for the 30 teams in a letter to take several precautions. The teams should also be prepared for games to be played in front of empty stands.
The measures include the franchises appointing a specialist for infectious diseases, providing a testing facility for the coronavirus and making a list of staff who have close contact with the players.
NBA holds conference call with teams
In addition, the NBA announced that it would hold a conference call with coaches and doctors of the teams on Monday evening.
By the weekend, almost 500 cases of infection have been reported in the USA, and 15 people have already died from the corona virus.
Superstar LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers nevertheless does not believe in games without fans and even threatens to boycott. “If I walk on the floor and there are no spectators in the hall, I won’t play,” said James before the Lakers’ game against city rivals L.A. Clippers.
“I’ve never played without an audience before. I play for my teammates, but I also play for the fans. That’s what it’s all about,” he continued.
Walker would prefer cancellations
Kemba Walker of the Boston Celtics did not go that far, but he does not want to imagine such a scenario either. “That would be terrible,” the Guard said, pleading instead to cancel the games immediately.
The Golden State Warriors and the Philadelphia 76ers were already facing a cancellation after the San Francisco City Health Department recommended the cancellation or postponement of “large gatherings, such as concerts or sporting events.
Previously, the first two cases of infection had also been reported in San Francisco.
Warriors against with Curry all-clear
Just how great the fear of the virus is within the NBA is illustrated not least by the case of Warriors superstar Steph Curry. The three-time NBA champion and two-time MVP fell ill with the flu. His team immediately felt compelled to give the all-clear.
“There are no specific risk factors for COVID-19. He has a seasonal flu,” said a Warriors statement.
No one in the NBA wants to imagine what could happen if even one of the protagonists were to become infected with the highly contagious virus himself.